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What Is a Nance Appliance and Why Should You Use It?

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Jakes lessor

The Nance appliance is used in cases where there’s an underbite, deep bite or reverse overbite. In these situations, adults and children alike can be affected by muscle tension that pushes your jaw forward as well as abnormal tooth spacing. It’s an issue that many people have dealt with, but often don’t talk about publicly: acid reflux or GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease).

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When acid travels up the esophagus and irritates the esophageal lining, it can be incredibly painful, as well as cause a variety of other symptoms, such as heartburn and bad breath.

 

A Dentist’s Perspective

One of my patients had a unique orthodontic problem: her lower wisdom teeth were coming in very early. This is not only painful, but also presents an orthodontic challenge since she needed to wait until after they were removed before I could start any treatment on her. However, she was worried that leaving them alone for so long would give them time to shift positions, which would limit her final treatment options. I recommended that she visit an orthodontist near me who uses a procedure called Nance appliances. After just four months wearing these appliances, we were able to begin aligning her teeth into their ideal positions.


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My Experience

When I saw my orthodontist for my first checkup last year, she asked if I had any questions. As part of my dental insurance, I received a free consultation. In between wiping her hands on her white coat while she examined my teeth and complimented me on how good I was at flossing, she told me something that got me thinking: A healthy mouth is happy mouth. The saying has stuck with me ever since. And although it may seem obvious to most people, you’d be surprised how many people don’t use proper oral hygiene techniques or visit their dentist regularly.

 

Which Teeth Are Affected by the Nance Appliance

This is often caused by clenching or grinding teeth while asleep—nocturnal bruxism. The additional stress of grinding your teeth leads to jaw misalignment. Typically, you need to have molars on both sides of your mouth that are heavily worn down from clenching at night in order to qualify for a Nance appliance. If left untreated, it can lead to TMJ problems and an increased risk of neck pain due to chronic bad posture during sleep.

 

How Long Does Treatment Take?

The treatment process for a nance appliance is gradual. Once you get fitted for it, you’ll wear it from 8 to 12 hours every night for 4 months. Then, if all goes well, your dentist will remove it to see whether or not your jaw has moved into its final position. This can take up to 6 months—but if you’re still growing, you might have to start all over again. Because of that last part, it’s best to start treatment as early as possible (ideally in your teens) so that treatment time isn’t extended even further.

 

How Effective Is the Nance Appliance?

There are several different types of appliances available to help people overcome sleep apnea. This can be confusing because there are so many options to choose from. What is a nance appliance and how effective is it? Find out by reading our step-by-step guide on how to use it effectively. If you're ready to get started, book an appointment with your orthodontist near me today!

 

Will I Still Have to Wear My Wig, Splint, Or Partially Brace At Night?

Yes. The appliance is only to be worn during waking hours. However, due to its small size, your dentist may recommend you wear it at night in order to reduce any interference with your sleep. If you have trouble sleeping while wearing orthodontic appliances, consult with your dentist or orthodontist immediately so they can adjust or remove it for nighttime use.

 

Additional Tips For Successful Sleep Apnea Treatment Using The Nance Appliance

While your doctor will prescribe an appliance, you’ll need to be fitted for it by an orthodontist in your area. Choose one with experience using Nance appliances; they know how to most effectively create a customized device that will improve your oral health while correcting obstructive sleep apnea symptoms. Also, if you have dental insurance coverage, ask if it’s worth upgrading to a higher plan—you may find that even without extra coverage, you can work with an orthodontist who offers competitive rates. If there are no orthodontists near you who use appliances like these, call one in another city or state; many dentists will be happy to see patients from other areas for special cases like these.


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Jakes lessor
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